Jamshedpur: The rising water levels of Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers have triggered concern in the city and adjoining areas, with both rivers flowing above their respective danger marks. The situation has prompted the district administration to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of residents living in low-lying areas.
According to official data, the Subarnarekha River at the Mango Bridge site has crossed its danger level of 121.50 metres and is currently flowing at 122.12 metres. Similarly, the Kharkai River at the Adityapur Bridge site has risen well above its danger level of 129 metres and was recorded at 131.18 metres. The sharp rise in water levels is attributed to heavy rainfall in Jharkhand and adjoining states over the past few days, coupled with continuous inflows from upstream catchment areas.
The swelling rivers have already inundated several low-lying pockets near Mango, Bagbera, Shastrinagar, and areas adjoining the banks of the Kharkai. Residents in these regions have been advised to remain vigilant, and evacuation preparations are being made in case the water levels continue to rise. The district administration has kept relief and rescue teams on standby, while flood control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation round the clock.
Officials informed that coordination has been established with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to extend immediate assistance if required. Boats have been deployed at sensitive ghats and vulnerable localities, and announcements are being made to caution people against venturing close to the swollen rivers.
Traffic movement on the Mango Bridge and Adityapur Bridge is being closely monitored as both sites are key connecting points in the city. Authorities have appealed to citizens to cooperate and avoid unnecessary travel in these areas during the peak flow period.
With forecasts of more rainfall in the coming days, the administration is maintaining strict vigilance over the situation. While emergency services remain on alert, people living along the banks of the Subernarekha and Kharkai rivers are urged to prioritize safety and follow official advisories.
The rising levels of these two lifeline rivers of Jamshedpur have once again underlined the vulnerability of riverbank habitations during monsoon, reminding the city of the pressing need for preparedness and resilience in the face of seasonal floods.
Meanwhile, meteorologists said the active spell is being driven by multiple weather systems. The monsoon trough currently extends from Suratgarh to the northeast Bay of Bengal, while cyclonic circulations persist over Gangetic West Bengal, Bangladesh and southwest Uttar Pradesh. Adding to this, a fresh low-pressure area is likely to form over the northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha–West Bengal coasts around August 25, which may further intensify rainfall in Jharkhand.
